World
Germany: 4,389 unfilled positions in health crafts in 2025
In 2025, 4,389 of 7,267 open positions in Germany's health crafts (Gesundheitshandwerk) remained unfilled on average, according to research by Kofa (Kompetenzzentrum Fachkräftesicherung), a workforce research center under the Institute for the German Economy. The most severe shortages affect optical and hearing aid professions. Among master craftsmen (Meister), more than eight out of ten positions went unfilled. Researcher Lydia Malin predicts worsening shortages in coming years, particularly in rural regions.